Formby law firm reveals cases of employment tribunals are a record high

A FORMBY law firm has revealed that cases of employment tribunals are at their highest level yet.

Maxwell Hodge has dealt with high numbers of tribunal claims in recent months, with figures nationally at an all time high.

Tribunal Service data depicts a 56% increase in claims compared to 2008/2009.

Andrew Newton, employment law specialist at Maxwell Hodge, said: “Employment tribunals are at the highest I have ever seen them, no doubt as a direct result of the impact of the recession.

“However the figures also indicate that firms aren’t following procedures correctly and employers need to be more careful, particularly when making staff redundant.”

Figures reveal a 14% increase in the number of single claims accepted by Employment Tribunals, and a 17% increase in the number of tribunal claims associated with unfair dismissal, breach of contract and redundancy.

Firms have been urged to follow proper consultation processes to minimise the risk of legal action.

Mr Newton said: “With more companies making people redundant they need to take legal advice and ensure that the correct procedures are in place, otherwise they could face hefty compensation costs.”

Figures awarded for unfair dismissal can range from a few thousand to the tens of thousands. On average compensation awards for unfair dismissal are around £8,000.